Cleaning fiber optic connectors and fusion splicers
Cleaning computer keyboards
Cleaning and applying ESD treatments to display screens
Removing oil, dust, and other contaminants
Cleaning and protecting sensitive contact surfaces
What is Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)?
Isopropyl alcohol (also referred to as CAS #67-63-0, IPA, isopropanol and 2-propanol) dissolves a wide range of polar and non-polar soils, including light oils, fingerprints, cutting fluids, flux residues, carbon deposits, and mold release.
For electronic printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, isopropyl alcohol is used to clean flux residues from recently soldered circuit boards and in both PCB repair and rework. IPA is also used to remove solder paste and adhesive from SMT stencils. Maintenance cleaning with isopropyl alcohol is common for removing caked-on and burnt-on flux from SMT reflow ovens, wave soldering fingers, selective soldering nozzles, pallets, and anywhere else flux tends to collect in automated soldering processes.
What Are the Common Concentrations of Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)?
Isopropyl alcohol is available in a variety of dilutions. These dilutions are characterized by the amount of water in each solution. Isopropyl alcohol is hydrophilic or water miscible, so it readily accepts water into an azeotropic solution. When you see “70% isopropyl alcohol” on the label, it refers to the amount of alcohol in relation to the amount of dissolved water – i.e. 70% alcohol to 30% water. Water can be removed to form purer grades of isopropyl alcohol, forming what is called “anhydrous” isopropyl alcohol.
Whether IPA has 0.2% or 50% water has little effect on the look and smell of the material, but greatly impacts surface tension (its ability to wet), and its dry time. The more water isopropyl alcohol contains, the greater the surface tension. With a higher surface tension, you run the risk of the liquid beading up as it dries, which can lead to spotting. “Water spots” are particularly problematic when cleaning mirrors, lenses, and other optics.
The dry time is greatly increased as the percentage of water in the alcohol solution is increased. This can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the application. For example, isopropyl alcohol is often used as a flux remover to remove flux residues from around solder joints. Technicians tend to prefer a fast dry time so they can clean the electronics and bring them back into service as quickly as possible.
For breaking down and removing thick, gummy, or baked-on materials where more dwell or soak time is required, slowing down the dry time often improves the cleaning effectiveness. This is one of the reasons that 70% pure isopropyl alcohol is commonly used for both degreasing and SMT stencil cleaning. In the case of electrical contact cleaning, the faster evaporation helps ensure that flammable solvent is gone before energizing the equipment.
WHAT ARE ANTIBACTERIAL WIPES?
Simply put, antibacterial wipes are pre-moistened towelettes that contain a sanitizing or disinfecting formula that kill or reduce germs on surfaces and skin. They’re often packaged in convenient containers designed to easily use one wipe at a time.
Antibacterial wipes are easier to use than sprays and towels because of their simple, one-step design. Additionally, cleaning with a contaminated towel can spread germs and bacteria to an uncontaminated surface. When used properly, wipes help to eliminate this problem.
CLEANING FORMULA
Beware, all wipes are not formulated the same. You should always be conscious of any ingredients that are toxic, could damage the surfaces you’ll be cleaning, or pose a threat to human health. It’s important to always look for antibacterial wipes that are EPA registered and/or FDA approved.
Taking this one step further, different wipes will list different kill claims and you should always reference the pathogens that a wipe can kill based on your unique business needs. Many state and national regulations require EPA registered and/or FDA approved formulas to be used in public settings. This is because these products are put through extensive testing and scrutiny before earning a seal of approval, and are proven to deliver on their claims.
